Jose Mourinho has been identified as a surprise candidate to succeed interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa as the next Real Madrid manager.
The Portuguese coach is now being reported as one of the top names on the list, with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez viewing him as a favourite, making a return to the club since 2013 a real possibility.
Mourinho currently has an active contract with Benfica, with the Portuguese club pushing for him to stay. However, there is a special exit clause, meaning Los Blancos would have to pay to secure his services.
With Mourinho now high on the Real Madrid manager candidates list, the bigger question is whether his experience and approach fit with the demands of this current squad, and more importantly, if he still has what it takes to bring sustained dominance back to both Spain and Europe.
Next Real Madrid Manager: Why Jose Mourinho Is Back In The Conversation
The Real Madrid manager candidates list continues to grow, with names like Jose Mourinho, Jurgen Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino, and Didier Deschamps all being linked. However, Mourinho’s return has come as a surprise development.
Despite being favoured by Florentino Perez, Mourinho himself is also open to the move, believing he still has unfinished business at the club.
He currently has a contract with Benfica until 2027, with a reported €6 million release clause valid until the end of May. That relatively low fee makes him one of the most accessible high-profile options available, which explains why Perez could move quickly to make him the next Real Madrid manager.
Mourinho previously managed the club between 2010 and 2013, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. During that time, he built a well-structured and dangerous counter-attacking side, proving he already understands what it takes to succeed at the club.
His experience in handling superstar players is another major reason he is being considered, especially with the current squad filled with elite talents.
All of this explains why Mourinho is back in the conversation, but the big question is whether Perez will act before that clause expires.
Tactical Identity: How Mourinho’s Approach Could Shape This Real Madrid Team
Jose Mourinho’s current tactical identity is built around a 4-2-3-1 system, with the flexibility to shift into a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 when needed.
He places strong emphasis on defensive discipline, often using a compact block while combining it with structured build-up from the back. In possession, a deep-lying midfielder can drop between the centre-backs to create numerical superiority, while full-backs push forward to support attacks.
His pressing is usually triggered rather than constant, aiming to force turnovers and quickly launch counter-attacks, especially through wide areas with pacey and creative wingers.
Mourinho’s tactical setup for Real Madrid would likely focus on defensive solidity as a foundation. He could bring structure to a team that has shown defensive vulnerabilities, while also maximising the strengths of players like Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, and Dean Huijsen.
His ability to get the best out of attacking players will also be key. With Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, he would have two of the most dangerous counter-attacking weapons in world football. Mourinho has historically succeeded by giving attacking freedom to star players while ensuring defensive balance behind them.
Set pieces are another area where he could make an impact. His teams are usually well-drilled in both attacking and defending dead-ball situations, something that could improve Madrid’s current weaknesses.
Overall, Mourinho to Real Madrid could bring a more structured and efficient tactical approach to the team.
Next Real Madrid Manager: Is Mourinho The Right Fit For This Squad?
The next Real Madrid manager needs to fit the squad both tactically and mentally, and Mourinho offers some strong arguments in his favour.
His leadership and mentality stand out. Real Madrid currently lacks a strong, authoritative presence on the touchline, and Mourinho’s personality could help restore that winning mentality.
At a club where success in big moments is expected, Mourinho’s track record speaks for itself. He has consistently delivered in high-pressure games, especially in knockout competitions, which could be crucial in the Champions League.
With a squad filled with stars like Mbappe, Vinicius, and Jude Bellingham, managing personalities becomes just as important as tactics. Mourinho’s experience in handling big players and strong dressing rooms makes him a suitable option.
He also understands the club environment better than most Real Madrid manager candidates, which gives him an edge.
However, there are concerns. Questions remain about whether his tactical approach fully aligns with modern football at the highest level. Real Madrid fans often expect attacking, dominant football, while Mourinho can sometimes lean towards a more pragmatic style.
There is also the risk of dressing room tension, given his past conflicts with players at previous clubs.
So, while Mourinho to Real Madrid makes sense in many ways, it is not without its risks.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa: All English Affair For A Place In The 2025/26 UEFA Europa League Final
La Liga Challenge: Can Mourinho Outmanoeuvre Barcelona Again?
Real Madrid last won La Liga in the 2023/24 season, and Barcelona has since taken control, pushing for another title this campaign.
Mourinho to Real Madrid would be expected to challenge that dominance under Hansi Flick, setting up an interesting tactical battle.
Mourinho previously broke Barcelona’s three-year dominance by winning the 2011/12 La Liga title with a record 100 points, so this kind of challenge is not new to him.
However, Flick’s Barcelona presents a different kind of test, with a clear identity, high intensity, and strong attacking play. Mourinho would likely need to balance his defensive approach with more attacking intent to compete over a full season.
Still, his experience and past success against Barcelona suggest he has the ability to disrupt their dominance once again.
Champions League Ambition: Could Mourinho Deliver European Glory Once More?
Real Madrid’s recent Champions League performances have not met expectations, and the next Real Madrid manager will be expected to bring them back to the top.
Their elimination at the quarter-final stage against Bayern Munich this season highlighted the need for a manager who can deliver in Europe.
Mourinho’s pedigree in the competition is clear. He has won the Champions League twice, with Porto and Inter Milan, and built his reputation as one of the best knockout-stage managers in football.
His defensive organisation, combined with a strong counter-attacking setup, fits well with the kind of football often needed in the later stages of the competition.
With the quality available in the squad, Mourinho to Real Madrid could give the club a real chance of competing for European glory again.
Should Real Madrid Turn To Mourinho Again?
Jose Mourinho is now firmly among the Real Madrid manager candidates, and a return to the club is no longer far-fetched.
Real Madrid needs an experienced manager with a strong winning mentality to guide the team back to consistent success, and Mourinho fits that profile.
Whether the club decides to bring him back will depend on how much they value experience, structure, and proven success over a more modern, attacking approach.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / SOPA Images
Recording Date: 19.04.2026
Leave a Reply